Volkswagen recalls vehicles with defective engine coolant pumps

Volkswagen recalls vehicles with defective engine coolant pumps

May 4, 2018 Sean Reyes
Auburn Hills, Mich. – May 4, 2018 – Volkswagen Group of America has recalled more than 342,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective engine coolant pumps, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Administration. The campaign affects multiple models across the Audi brand, including:
  • 2013-2016 Audi A4 sedans produced between Feb. 20, 2012, and Dec. 8, 2015.
  • 2013-2016 Audi A4 Allroad sedans produced between March 12, 2012, and April 1, 2016.
  • 2013-2017 Audi A5 Cabriolets produced between March 9, 2012, and Dec. 16, 2016.
  • 2012-2015 Audi A6 sedans produced between April 4, 2011, and Dec. 22, 2014.
  • 2013-2017 Audi Q5 sport utility vehicles produced between July 4, 2012, and Dec. 20, 2016.
Volkswagen suspects all of the vehicles involved in the recall contain the defective parts.

The Defect

The models referenced in this action are likely to include engine coolant pumps prone to overheating and short circuiting due to blocked ventilation components or internal moisture development. Both conditions increase the likelihood of an engine fire. Consequently, the defective pumps pose a serious risk to occupants. However, Volkswagen has yet to receive reports linking the problematic parts to any accidents or injuries.
Owners operating vehicles equipped with the defective features may see an engine warning light prior to overheating or short circuiting, depending on the engine control software present.

Timeline of Events

On Dec. 23, 2016, the Audi Product Safety Committee issued a voluntary safety recall, filed under the NHTSA identification code 17V-002, to address defective engine coolant pumps in more than 342,000 vehicles. Dealers across the U.S. market executed the required remedy in the months following the recall, updating the ECU software installed in affected models with new programming designed to switch off the engine coolant pump power supply in the event of overheating or short circuiting. Between March 2017 and August 2017, Audi received multiple complaints from customers outlining instances of overheating and short circuiting, despite the existence of the updated ECU software. The automaker requested parts review following these reports.
More customers submitted identical complaints throughout September 2017 and October 2017. These instances prompted Audi to launch more exhaustive field tests and laboratory analyses to identify error patterns, significant mechanical variables and ultimately pinpoint the root cause of the issue. These inquiries revealed that moisture, in addition to ventilation blockage, affected engine coolant pump performance.
Members of the Audi Product Safety Committee convened April 4, 2018, to review the results of the field and laboratory tests. These stakeholders decided that the engine coolant pumps in the affected vehicles should be replaced along with the ECU software and chose to call for a voluntary safety recall.

The Solution

As stated above, Audi intends to replace the engine coolant pumps and ECU software in recalled vehicles free of charge. However, replacement parts are not currently available, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. The automaker plans to notify both dealers and owners when these components are ready for installation.
That said, Audi does intend to reach out to owners initially via first-class mail June 11, 2018, to prepare them for the forthcoming action.
Vehicle owners can use MotorSafety.org’s free vehicle look up tool to find information on their vehicle

Sean ReyesVolkswagen recalls vehicles with defective engine coolant pumps
Hyundai recalls vehicles with defective safety features

Hyundai recalls vehicles with defective safety features

May 1, 2018 Sean Reyes
Fountain Valley, Calif. – May 1, 2018 – Hyundai Motor America has recalled more than 580,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective air bag and seat belt assemblies, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2011-2013 Hyundai Sonata sedans produced between Dec. 11, 2009, and Aug. 31, 2012, along with 2011-2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid sedans produced between Dec. 2, 2010, and Aug. 23, 2012. The South Korean automaker suspects all of the vehicles referenced in the recall contain the defective parts.
The Defect
Affected models contain air bag control units powered by application-specific integrated circuits. These components are designed to trigger advanced air bag systems and seatbelt pretensioners in the event of an accident. However, the ACUs installed in the recalled vehicles feature ASICs that lack circuit-protecting diodes. Without these electrical parts, the ASICs may experience overstress and eventually fail, inhibiting ACU functionality and leaving occupants without crash protection. Consequently, this defect poses a serious hazard to owners. Hyundai has received at least five reports linking the defective part to accidents and injuries.
Timeline of Events
The automaker in February 2012 received a report outlining an instance in which the AAS in a 2011 Hyundai Sonata seemed to fail during an accident, according to an internal chronology document submitted to the NHTSA. Hyundai engineers inspected the vehicle referenced in the report in June 2012 and found that the vehicle had not recorded a crash event. The car company then reached out to the Michigan-based supplier ZF TRW, which had provided the ACU components installed in the vehicle. The vendor discovered signs of electrical overstress within the ACU’s ASIC assembly, a condition it linked to a number of aftermarket accessories that were installed on the model referenced in the report.
Hyundai in May 2015 received a report detailing another instance of AAS non-deployment. In October 2015, engineering teams inspected the vehicle, a 2011 Hyundai Sonata, and determined that the ACU was not functioning. ZF TRW reviewed the component and again found signs of electrical overstress. The vehicle did not contain aftermarket parts, indicating that the condition may not be linked to the installation of such non-standard components. As a result, Hyundai initiated a field review.
The automaker received two additional reports centered on AAS non-deployment between July and November 2016. While one was invalidated by investigators, the second involved a 2011 Hyundai Sonata sedan with potential ASIC damage linked to overstress. Hyundai launched an official investigation in response. Then, in November 2017, OSHA’s Office of Defects Investigation contacted the car company to check on the status of the inquiry. Hyundai submitted data related to the investigation and established a communication channel for updates. One month later, the automaker hired an external engineering firm to look into the ACU issue.
On February 21, 2018, Hyundai and ZF TRW met to discuss the state of the ongoing investigation, with the latter coming to the conclusion that transient charges, originating from adjacent vehicle parts, were causing electrical overstress in the ASIC assemblies and therefore affecting ACU performance. One day later, members of Hyundai’s Technical Committee convened and determined that a voluntary recall involving affected 2011 Hyundai Sonata sedans was necessary. Following this action, the automaker continued its investigation into the problematic ACU components.
ODI officials and Hyundai met in Washington D.C. March 9, 2018, to discuss the inquiry and the initial findings from the third-party engineering firm. It was during this meeting that Hyundai revealed that its external collaborator had determined that the ACU failure was the result of equipment failure – specifically a lack of circuit-protecting diodes. The automaker attested to replicating the equipment-related damage in a series of crash tests. This discovery expanded the pool of potentially affected models to include Hyundai Sonata and Sonata Hybrid sedans produced in 2012 and 2013. On April 3, 2018, the two parties met once more to review the ongoing investigation.
Between April 11, 2018, and April 12, 2018, Hyundai collaborated with ZF TRW to review the ACU damage sustained in the previously conducted crash tests. Both automaker and vendor agreed hat the ASIC assemblies in these components shorted due to lack of diodes. On April 18, 2018, the Hyundai TC decided to expand the existing recall, an action the group communicated to both dealers and owners April 20, 2018.
The Solution
Hyundai has not yet developed a viable remedy, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. Owners in need of assistance can contact Hyundai customer service personnel by calling (855) -371-9460. Callers should use the internal recall identification number 174. Owners can also reach out to the NHTSA directly using the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesHyundai recalls vehicles with defective safety features
Mitsubishi recalls vehicles with defective Takata air bags

Mitsubishi recalls vehicles with defective Takata air bags

April 30, 2018 Sean Reyes ,

Cypress, Calif. – April 30, 2018 – Mitsubishi Motors North America (OTCMKTS:MSBHF) has recalled more than 17,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective Takata air bag assemblies, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2004-2006 Mitsubishi Lancer sedans.

Recall Summary

Affected vehicles contain Takata air bag assemblies featuring defective inflators that are prone to combustion upon deployment. When exploded, the metal inflator housing fragments, sending bits of sharp shrapnel throughout the cabin. Consequently, these fixtures pose a serious safety hazard to occupants. Takata air bags have killed 20 people and injured hundreds more worldwide, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Takata on May 18, 2015, submitted a Defect Information Report which advised all automakers involved with vehicles containing its air bag assemblies to expand ongoing recalls. NHTSA relayed this information to automotive companies May 27, 2015. In response, Mitsubishi expanded an ongoing recall involving 2004-2005 Lancer sedans to include all remaining 2005 Lancer vehicles, as well as those produced in 2006 using the Takata air bag inflators.

Between May 2015 and September 2017, the automaker replaced defective air bag assemblies with temporary like-for-like replacements. During this time, Mitsubishi also developed a viable permanent replacement, which passed the final testing phase in September 2017.

Over the following months, the automaker mass-produced the parts to build of up sufficient supply for an expanded recall action addressing all of the vehicles that received temporary replacements. On March 29, 2018, Mitsubishi reviewed the matter and decided to launch a voluntary safety recall.

The repair

The automaker will direct dealers to replace the Takata air bag assemblies in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. Mitsubishi intends to notify dealers April 19, 2018, and reach out to owners via first-class mail April 26, 2018.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 1.4 million vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of April 9, 2021, – the last date for which information was available – 8,172 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Sean ReyesMitsubishi recalls vehicles with defective Takata air bags
Nissan recalls vehicles with missing labels

Nissan recalls vehicles with missing labels

April 30, 2018 Sean Reyes
Franklin, Tenn. – April 30, 2018 – Nissan North America has recalled almost 500 vehicles potentially equipped with incorrect load carrying capacity weight modification labels, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models, including:
  • 2016-2018 Nissan Titan pickup trucks produced between April 14, 2016, and Feb. 27, 2018.
  • 2016 Nissan Titan XD diesel pickup trucks produced between Nov. 18, 2015, and Sept. 17, 2016.
  • 2018 Nissan Titan XD diesel pickup trucks produced between Dec. 7, 2017, and Feb. 13, 2018.
The Japanese automaker suspects all of the vehicles referenced in the recall were assembled without the required labels.
The Defect
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 110 requires car companies to affix amended load carrying capacity weight modification labels to vehicles that receive presale modifications that exceed “the lesser of 1.5 percent of the gross vehicle weight rating or 100 pounds,” according to the Government Publishing Office. The models involved in the recall were sold without requisite labeling, putting them in violation of FMVSS 110. The vehicles also pose a safety hazard to occupants, increasing the likelihood of overloading that can, in turn, affect maneuverability. However, Nissan has yet to receive reports linking the defect to any accidents or injuries.
Timeline of Events
Engineers at the Nissan Vehicle Preparation Center discovered a Nissan Titan pickup truck that included post-production accessories, but whose load carrying capacity weight label had not been updated. This discovery prompted the automaker to launch an internal investigation, which uncovered multiple Nissan Titan pickup trucks that had received modifications that surpassed the 100-pound threshold outline in FMVSS 110 but did not include updated labeling. Nissan determined that, because the vehicles had been modified by dealers, an official voluntary safety recall was necessary. Quality assurance and safety stakeholders initiated the action April 16, 2018, and contacted dealers the following day.
The Solution
Nissan will distribute new carrying capacity weight modification labels to owners, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. The automaker intends to contact these parties via first-class mail June 16, 2018. Those in need of additional assistance can contact Nissan customer service at (800) 867-7669. Owners can also reach out to the NHTSA directly using the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesNissan recalls vehicles with missing labels
GM Recalls Vehicles with Defective Seat Belts

GM Recalls Vehicles with Defective Seat Belts

April 30, 2018 Sean Reyes ,

Warren, Mich. – April 30, 2018 – General Motors has recalled more than 8,700 vehicles potentially equipped with defective seat belt assemblies, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The campaign affects 2018 Buick Regal sedans produced between June 9, 2017, and February 22, 2018. GM suspects that 1 percent of the recalled models actually contain the defective parts.

The defect

Affected vehicles contain rear outboard seats with improperly routed seat belts. Consequently, these safety features may not adequately restrain occupants in the event of an accident, leaving them open to injury.

However, the automaker has yet to receive reports connecting the defective components to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of events

On January 16, 2018, engineers at the Opel Russelsheim assembly plant in Russelsheim, Germany discovered a 2018 Buick Regal sedan with improperly routed seat belts while conducting post-production testing.

The personnel who identified the defect notified their superiors January 22, 2018, through the Speak Up for Safety program. The GM Safety and Compliance Categorization Team reviewed the matter February 15, 2018, and launched a field monitoring initiative.

Seven days later, GM implemented new production methods at the Opel Russelsheim facility to ensure assembly teams properly routed rear seat belts.

GM engineers at the Milford Proving Ground in Milford, Michigan uncovered another vehicle with the rear seat belt routing issue March 1, 2018. They too filed a SUFS report.

One week later, GM connected with technical stakeholders for Opel, one of its European subsidiaries, and discussed the misrouted seat belts it engineers had found in multiple 2018 Buick Regal sedans.

Opel dealt with the same problem earlier in the year and had issued a voluntary recall to address it. This meeting prompted GM to initiate an internal investigation, which led the GM Safety Field Action Decision Authority to call for an official recall on April 5, 2018.

GM notified dealers of the forthcoming action April 12, 2018.

The solution

The automaker has directed dealers to correct the routing of the outboard rear seat belt assemblies installed in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. GM intends to notify owners June 5, 2018.

Check your car’s recall status using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Sean ReyesGM Recalls Vehicles with Defective Seat Belts
Mercedes-Benz recalls vehicles with defective front seatbacks

Mercedes-Benz recalls vehicles with defective front seatbacks

April 26, 2018 Sean Reyes
Jacksonville, Fla. – April 26, 2018 – Mercedes-Benz USA has recalled more than 3,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective front seatback assemblies, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models manufactured between April 11, 2017, and Aug. 11, 2017, including:
  • 2017-2018 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG 4Matic coupes and cabriolets.
  • 2017-2018 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG coupes, S coupes, cabriolets and S cabriolets.
  • 2017-2018 Mercedes-Benz C300 coupes, 4Matic coupes, cabriolets and 4Matic cabriolets.
  • 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 coupes.
The German automaker is unsure just how many of the recalled vehicles contain the defective parts.
The Defect
Affected vehicles contain front seatback assemblies that may not lock properly. Consequently, items stored in these compartments could come loose during an accident, increasing the likelihood of occupant injury. However, Daimler AG, the automotive conglomerate that owns and operates Mercedes-Benz, has not yet received field reports linking the defect to any accidents or injuries.
Timeline of Events
DAG in May 2017 received a report from the Lear Corporation, the parts vendor responsible for providing the seatback assemblies, revealing that a number of shipped seatbacks included backrests from a subcontractor that did not meet minimum tolerance thresholds. This subcontractor launched an internal investigation in response, eventually determining, in May 2017, that a batch of defective levers prevented the backrests from locking properly and meeting tolerance standards. The subcontractor amended its processes to prevent further error one month later.
Around the same time, DAG put into place workflow changes and began reworking the seatback assemblies installed in unsold affected vehicles.
The automotive conglomerate in August 2017 initiated internal analysis to determine the impact of the defective seatback assemblies. Within five months, engineers concluded that a micro switch within the seat locking assembly would detect intolerance of the left locking mechanism and notify post-production personnel, who could easily fix the issue prior to shipment. However, the right locking mechanism did not prompt such a warning, meaning vehicles with defective seatbacks could slip through.
DAG leadership reviewed the matter on March 22, 2018, and decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall.
The Solution
DAG will direct dealers to inspect the seatback assemblies and, if necessary, replace the locking mechanisms free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document.
The company plans to reach out to dealers this month and contact owners via first-class mail between May 25, 2018, and June 29, 2018. Owners in need of more immediate assistance can connect with DAG customer service personnel at (800) 367-6372. They can also reach out to the NHTSA directly using the agency’s toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesMercedes-Benz recalls vehicles with defective front seatbacks
Chrysler recalls vehicles with defective body supports

Chrysler recalls vehicles with defective body supports

April 23, 2018 Sean Reyes
Auburn Hills, Mich. – April 23, 2018 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has recalled more than 12,500 vehicles potentially equipped with defective body supports, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.
The campaign affects 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio sport utility vehicles produced between March 20, 2017, and Feb. 14, 2018.
FCA suspects that all of the vehicles referenced in the action contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected vehicles feature A-pillar joints that are not properly sealed to adjacent heating ventilation air conditioning boxes. Consequently, moisture intrusion can occur, resulting in corrosion to the A-pillar and the body control module.
Should oxidation take place, various vehicle components may fail, including the windshield wipers, turn indicators, the horn and the exterior lighting system. Without these features, the likelihood of accident or injury increases dramatically. However, FCA has yet to receive reports connecting the defect to any collisions or injuries.

Timeline of Events

The Alfa Romeo Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance group on Sept. 15, 2017, launched an internal investigation after receiving a warranty claim detailing an instance of front wiring harness oxidization. More than one month later, stakeholders for the automaker, an FCA subsidiary, met to discuss the issue and the potential impact. On Oct. 26, 2017, a little over week after the stakeholder meeting, Alfa Romeo received another warranty clam outlining multiple electrical failures. This promoted a more in-depth investigation, which continued into 2018.
Between October 2017 and January 2018, the Alfa Romeo Quality and Product Development Body Engineering team attempted to recreate the outcomes described in the warranty claims in house. This involved testing the vehicle in question for water intrusion. This analysis later revealed the presence of corrosion near where the A-pillar is sealed to the heating ventilation air conditioning box.
Engineers for the automaker concurrently performed water intrusion tests on the nearby body control module, finding similar results. On March 19, 2018, Alfa Romeo concluded its investigation with validation tests performed via handheld wand and end-of-line water analysis.
Members of the Vehicle Regulations Committee reviewed the matter March 23, 2018, and decided that a voluntary safety recall was necessary. Alfa Romeo notified dealers of the impending action March 29, 2018.

The Solution

Alfa Romeo has directed dealers to install additional sealant protections in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document.
The automaker intends to notify owners via first-class mail May 18, 2018. Those in need or more immediate assistance can contact FCA customer service at (800) 853-1403. Callers should use the internal recall identification code U36. Owners can also reach out to the NHTSA directly using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesChrysler recalls vehicles with defective body supports
Toyota recalls vehicles with defective brake components

Toyota recalls vehicles with defective brake components

April 19, 2018 Sean Reyes ,

Plano, Texas – July 20, 2022 – Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing has remedied issues with 5,350 vehicles including the 2018 Toyota Camry, the 2018 Toyota Highlander, and others in which the brake assist vacuum pump may fail. Additionally, 461 of these Toyota models have been categorized as unreachable and 17 have been removed from the recall. Three groups of these 2018 Toyota Camry and 2018 Toyota Highlander with a defective brakes vacuum pump were remedied in 2018 and three other groups were remedied during 2019.

Plano, Texas – April 19, 2018 – Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing has recalled more than 6,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective brake components, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects models across multiple brands, including:

  • 2017 Lexus RX350 sport utility vehicles produced between Oct. 2, 2017, and Oct. 18, 2017.
  • 2018 Toyota Camry sedans produced between Oct. 5, 2017, and Nov. 3, 2017.
  • 2018 Toyota Highlander sport utility vehicles produced between Oct. 4, 2017, and Nov. 3, 2017.
  • 2018 Toyota Sienna minivans produced between Oct. 6, 2017, and Oct. 23, 2017.
  • 2017 Toyota Tacoma pickup trucks produced between Oct. 5, 2017, and Nov. 3, 2017.
The Japanese automaker is unsure how many of the recalled vehicles actually contain the defective components.

The Defect

Affected vehicles could come with problematic vacuum pump assemblies. These fixtures are designed to siphon oil from the engine to power brake boosters which, in turn, support optimal braking assist functionality. However, the pumps installed in the recalled models contain improperly machined rotor oil galleys, impairing their ability to extract oil from the engine and power brake boosters.
In some instances, the rotor galleys may cause other internal parts within the vacuum pumps to break, resulting in the failure of the entire rotor, the brake booster and the brake assist system. Such an event would increase the likelihood of an accident. However, Toyota has yet to receive field reports connecting the defective vacuum pump assemblies to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

On Oct. 11, 2017, an engineer conducting a post-production test drive at the Toyota manufacturing plant in San Antonio, Texas encountered a vehicle with an overly firm brake pedal, according to an internal document submitted to the NHTSA. Toyota inspected the vehicle and found that the vacuum pump was not effectively powering the brake booster, resulting in pedal resistance.
Additional analysis revealed that the rotor oil galley within the pump did not contain properly drilled holes, prompting the automaker to contact Magna Powertrain of Mexico, the vendor that provided the vacuum pump assembly, and initiate a joint investigation.
As this inquiry moved forward, engineers at another Toyota assembly site pinpointed other vehicles with the same braking problem, which engineering teams quickly attributed to defective vacuum pumps. Soon after these additional defective vehicles were identified, the car manufacturer discovered that the Magna production facility on Aug. 7, 2017, had suffered an unexpected power surge, resulting in significant downtime. During a shop floor reset, maintenance teams failed to properly recalibrate the drilling machine.
Consequently, Magna produced a large number of vacuum pump assemblies with improperly drilled rotor oil galley holes. Over the course of its investigation, Toyota also found that Magna’s documented maintenance policies did not direct teams to perform recalibrations following shutdowns, meaning operations most likely resumed without further process analysis. Magna ultimately made the proper calibrations during Aug. 9, 2017, but by that point, a significant number of pieces had come off the line and been shipped to customers. The company amended its maintenance procedures to address this error.
In January 2018, Toyota began testing the defective vacuum pumps in-house to determine their impact on vehicle drivability. Within a month, engineers had determined that the components could not effectively extract oil from the engine via the improperly drilled rotor oil galley holes. They also found that this, in turn, may damage the vacuum pump assembly and eventually result in the complete loss of the braking assist feature.
On March 28, 2018, Toyota safety and quality assurance officials reviewed the results of the investigation and determined that a voluntary safety recall was necessary. The automaker notified dealers April 3, 2018.

The Solution

Toyota has directed dealers to replace the vacuum pump assemblies in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. The company intends to notify owners via first-class mail between May 31, 2018, and June 2, 2018. However, owners in need of assistance prior to the start of the recall can reach out to Toyota customer service at (800) 255-3987. Callers should use the internal campaign reference code J0K/JLD. Owners can also contact the NHTSA directly using the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesToyota recalls vehicles with defective brake components
Honda recalls vehicles with defective seat features

Honda recalls vehicles with defective seat features

April 19, 2018 Sean Reyes ,

Torrance, Calif. – April 19, 2018 – American Honda Motor Company has recalled more than 5,800 vehicles potentially equipped with defective seat features, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models across two brands, including:

  • 2018 Acura MDX sport utility vehicles produced Jan. 10, 2018.
  • 2018 Honda Pilot sport utility vehicles produced between Jan. 2, 2018, and Jan. 20, 2018.
  • 2018 Honda Ridgeline pickup trucks produced between Jan. 12, 2018, and Jan. 19, 2018.

The Japanese automaker is unsure exactly how many of the vehicles referenced in the action contain the defective parts.

The defect

Affected vehicles driver and front passenger with improperly machined rivets connecting the seat slide rails to the seat feet. These fixtures could brake in the event of an accident, allowing the front driver and passenger seats to separate from the vehicle floor.

The defective rivets not only pose a serious safety hazard to occupants but also violate Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 207 and 210. The former requires vehicle manufacturers to install secure seating systems, while the latter mandates the use of fixed restraint assemblies.

Honda has not received reports connecting the defective rivet to any injuries. However, the connectors were involved in one accident.

Timeline of events

A tier-one vendor contacted the car company Jan. 11, 2018, after learning of an accident, during which the rivets holding the front seat side rails in place in a Honda vehicle, failed. The automaker launched an internal investigation in response.

Engineering personnel concluded this inquiry Feb. 6, 2018, finding that AKKO Fastener, the supplier responsible for producing the rivets used within Honda front seat assemblies, had improperly machined the connective fixtures.

Specifically, AKKO had deployed out-of-specification production tools, used too much material, and relied upon deficient quality controls. Honda then embarked on an administrative review to understand the breadth of the impact of the production error.

On Feb. 21, 2018, AKKO completed an internal investigation into the mis-machined rivets, while Honda and its other suppliers launched new downstream inquires.

The automaker reviewed the matter in its entirety March 29, 2018, and determined that a voluntary safety recall was required. Honda notified dealers of the forthcoming action April 6, 2018.

The solution

Honda has directed dealers to replace the driver seat frame assemblies in affected Acura MDX SUVs and swap out both the driver and passenger seat assemblies in recalled Honda Pilot SUVs and Ridgeline pickup trucks, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. Dealership technicians are to make these repairs free of charge.

The automotive company intends to notify owners via first-class mail May 18, 2018.

Check your car’s recall status using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Sean ReyesHonda recalls vehicles with defective seat features
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